Bomb disposal experts inspect ditched suitcase

Bomb disposal experts inspect ditched suitcase

10 September 2025

BOMB disposal experts were called to examine a suitcase found abandoned close to the Royal Mail sorting office in Downpatrick on Saturday morning.

The case was spotted by staff arriving for work around 7am at the Ballydugan Road industrial estate when the alarm was raised.

Staff who were in the building were advised to remain there while others reporting for work were not allowed to enter the sorting office before police set up a security cordon and evacuated the premises around 8.45am.

All postal deliveries in Downpatrick and the surrounding area were cancelled while adjoining businesses were not allowed to open until the area was declared safe.

A number of homes in the Cathedral View area which backs onto the industrial estate were also evacuated.

Police say they received a report of a suspicious object located at the industrial estate with officers attending the scene along with ammunition technical officers.

They say the suit case was later declared a hoax and removed for further forensic examinations, with residents who had been evacuated allowed to return to their homes.

Slieve Croob councillor, Alan Lewis, said while he suit case at the centre of the security alert was declared a hoax “answers are needed”.

Commending the swift and professional response from police and army technical experts, Cllr Lewis said their work ensured the immediate threat was managed quickly and residents were kept safe.

“While I am relieved that the incident has been dealt with, serious questions remain,” he said.

“We need answers as to what exactly this was; why the Royal Mail offices were targeted and whether there is any wider pattern emerging?

“Even though this incident has been declared a hoax, the fact that such a critical service was chosen as the focus of disruption is both troubling and unacceptable.”

Cllr Lewis said Saturday morning should have been a time of routine and calm for residents and workers in the area, but instead they faced uncertainty, disruption and confusion. 

He continued: “The community deserves reassurance and the business community in Downpatrick needs support.

“Incidents of this nature and associated disruption is deeply unhelpful, selfish and designed to manufacture fear, with people telling me they chose to stay away from Downpatrick last Saturday which is not what shops need.”

Cllr Lewis said those responsible for the security alert need to be caught.

He added: “What was their reasoning for leaving this object? Hoax or not, their actions were irresponsible and caused much disruption where it isn’t needed or wanted.”

Police have confirmed that enquiries into Saturday morning’s incident are continuing and they have appealed to anyone who can assist them to come forward.

Anyone who believes they can help is asked to get in touch using the non-emergency 101 number quoting reference number 271 of 6/9/25. 

A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/  while information can be provided anonymously using the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.